PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—Government officials from Suriname and the Netherlands have held talks here regarding the illegal migration of people from both countries.
A delegation from the Return and Departure Service (DT&V) of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security arrived here for the 13th Joint Working Group meeting between Suriname and the Netherlands on the readmission of each other’s nationals.
Director General Management and Consular Affairs of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Luciano Truideman said the two countries had signed a declaration of intent in 2008 on dealing with people illegally residing in each other’s countries.
“There are special agreements and timelines for that. You want to do it in such a humane way that it doesn’t have an impact on the person’s life,” Truideman said, noting that some people have been away from their country for decades, no longer have any ties there, but for various reasons have never made an effort to get their papers in order.
“As a result, when exposed, they have to return. That’s what these agreements are for,” he added.
DT&V director Rob van Bokhoven said the ongoing relationship is characterized by openness and good cooperation must be maintained, adding that it is necessary for the interest of people who want to make a sustainable return to Suriname.
“From the Netherlands, we stand for a sustainable, permanent return humanely and respectfully,” says Van Bokhoven, noting that the working groups are essential for ensuring this.
“As far as we are concerned, it is good that it is continued,” he added.
Truideman says the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg will soon sign an agreement in a larger framework.
The state-owned Communication Service Suriname said the working group would end by signing the agreement.
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